U.S. patent application number 13/063054 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-01 for passenger seat system incorporating a multi-functional furniture unit, and an aircraft comprising such a system.
This patent application is currently assigned to AIRBUS. Invention is credited to Alexandra Collins, Mark Collins.
Application Number | 20110210204 13/063054 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40578244 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110210204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Collins; Alexandra ; et
al. |
September 1, 2011 |
PASSENGER SEAT SYSTEM INCORPORATING A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE
UNIT, AND AN AIRCRAFT COMPRISING SUCH A SYSTEM
Abstract
A passenger seat system including a plurality of seat modules,
in which each seat module may be configured to form a more or less
flat bed. The seat modules are arranged side by side in
longitudinally offset relative positions, and each seat module is
configured to form a bed from a convertible seat and a fixed
footrest. The footrest is integrated into a box structure, which
includes an upper surface arranged as a fixed shelf for the
passenger in the adjacent seat module.
Inventors: |
Collins; Alexandra; (Geneva,
CH) ; Collins; Mark; (Geneva, CH) |
Assignee: |
AIRBUS
Blagnac Cedex
FR
|
Family ID: |
40578244 |
Appl. No.: |
13/063054 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
September 10, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR09/01082 |
371 Date: |
May 16, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
244/118.6 ;
5/12.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D 11/0643 20141201;
B64D 11/0638 20141201; B64D 11/06 20130101; B64D 11/0604
20141201 |
Class at
Publication: |
244/118.6 ;
5/12.1 |
International
Class: |
B64D 11/06 20060101
B64D011/06; B60N 2/005 20060101 B60N002/005; A47C 17/04 20060101
A47C017/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 10, 2008 |
FR |
0856085 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A passenger seat system, comprising: a plurality of seat
modules arranged side by side in longitudinally offset relative
positions, each seat module configured to form a bed from a
convertible seat and a footrest, wherein the footrest is integrated
into an interior of a fixed box structure, which box structure
comprises an upper surface arranged as a fixed shelf for a
passenger in an adjacent seat module and comprises, underneath the
footrest, a stowage compartment for the passenger in the adjacent
seat module.
12. A seat system according to claim 11, in which the upper surface
is vertical, above the footrest.
13. A seat system according to claim 12, in which the footrest
includes a lower surface of an intermediate space inside the box
structure and the fixed shelf includes a first portion of a top
part of the box structure.
14. A seat system according to claim 13, in which a second portion
of the top of the box structure of a module forms a fixed shelf for
the passenger in the adjacent seat module.
15. A seat system according to claim 13, in which the top of the
box structure has horizontal dimensions smaller than those of the
footrest.
16. A seat system according to claim 13, in which each seat module
comprises a removable shelf configured to be stored, in stowed
position, in the top of the intermediate space, added to the
box-structure top.
17. A seat system according to claim 11, in which the upper surface
arranged as a fixed shelf for the adjacent passenger comprises a
vertical rim extending at least along a periphery of the fixed
shelf facing the passenger in the adjacent seat module.
18. A seat system according to claim 11, in which the box structure
forms part of a shell partially surrounding the adjacent seat
module.
19. A seat system according to claim 11, the seat system being
integrated into a vehicle, in which system the seat modules are
arranged along an acute angle in relation to the horizontal axis of
the vehicle.
20. An aircraft comprising a system according to claim 11.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a passenger seat system,
especially for an aircraft, and to an associated aircraft, and more
particularly to such a system comprising a plurality of seat
modules where each seat module may be configured to form a more or
less flat bed.
[0002] On commercial aircraft flights, particularly in the classes
known as higher (first class, "business" class, . . . ), the
passengers are the object of special attention on the part of the
aircraft manufacturers.
[0003] In particular, the passengers in the higher classes often
have the possibility of tilting their seat in a more or less
horizontal position, in order to convert their armchair into a bed,
as for example the convertible aircraft seat such as described in
the patent application EP 1 207 074 or US 2001/000639.
[0004] In order to isolate the passengers from each other and to
preserve a certain privacy among the passengers, it is known, in
document FR 2 904 805, to propose a seat module integrating such
convertible seats and a separation panel concealing the passenger
occupying the seat from the eyes of the other passengers seated in
the same aircraft cabin.
[0005] To further enhance the comfort of the passengers, the bed
formed in the module comprises an additional sitting surface or an
ottoman, situated adjacent to the back of the module in front,
which extends the armchair in a horizontal position to accommodate
and support the passenger's feet. It will be easily understood that
the upper surface of the additional sitting surface is more or less
coplanar with the seat in bed position.
[0006] These seat modules are installed parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the aircraft, either by pair aligned in a
double column in the middle of the cabin (central group), or
individually in a column of a single module near the two fuselages
(side groups). In this way, traffic aisles are formed between the
side groups and the central group.
[0007] It also is known, from document US 2007/080566, to dispose
the seat modules nonparallel to the longitudinal axis of the
aircraft, which has the effect of increasing the number of modules
in the cabin. In the proposed cabin layout, the seat modules are
arranged side by side in longitudinally offset relative position
(that is to say offset along their own longitudinal axis),
according to an acute angle in relation to the longitudinal axis of
the aircraft. These modules also comprise an ottoman, serving as a
fixed footrest which, combined with the armchair placed in more or
less horizontal position, furnishes the passenger with a bed.
[0008] In document GB 2 295 692, a secondary seat is provided
facing the passenger's seat so that when the latter is placed in
horizontal position in order to create a bed, the secondary seat
serves as an end of the bed.
[0009] In these different known configurations of seat modules, the
passengers moving about in the aisles may be bothered by the direct
view onto the feet of the recumbent passengers, the feet resting on
the ottoman or on the secondary seat, and this despite the
presence, at times, of isolation panels.
[0010] Moreover, the spaces for stowage or for setting down objects
often are limited in number, the seat modules being unable to be
enlarged for fear of causing the traffic aisles to be lost.
[0011] There also is known from document U.S. Pat. No. 2,947,349 a
layout of rows of seats in longitudinally offset relative positive
position, the rows being staggered. In this configuration, the seat
for a passenger extends, to serve as a bed, into a box structure
for a passenger in the preceding row.
[0012] This invention has as a purpose to resolve at least one of
the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a seat module that
provides in particular an additional stowage shelf.
[0013] To this end, this invention relates in particular to a
passenger seat system comprising a plurality of seat modules
arranged side by side in longitudinally offset relative position,
each seat module being able to be configured to form a bed from a
convertible seat and a footrest, the said footrest being integrated
into the interior of a fixed box structure, which box structure
comprises an upper surface arranged as a fixed shelf for the
passenger in the adjacent seat module and comprises, underneath the
footrest, a storage compartment for the passenger in the
corresponding module.
[0014] According to the invention, the box structure that
accommodates the passenger's feet in its interior provides, in its
upper part, a shelf for the neighboring passenger, and in its lower
part, a stowage space.
[0015] In this way, the system according to the invention provides
a passenger with an additional shelf surface taken from the space
of the neighboring module, without changing the dimensions of the
seat modules and therefore the cabin layout. The loss is minimal
for the passenger deprived, since only the area at the feet, the
one difficult to use, is affected.
[0016] Furthermore, the relative offset of two consecutive modules
allows an ideal positioning of the additional shelf in lateral
proximity to the sitting surface for the neighboring passenger,
increasing the comfort of the latter.
[0017] Finally, in this way the total volume occupied by the box
structure is optimized and the stowage spaces available for the
passenger are enhanced, without increasing the dimensions of the
seat module.
[0018] In one embodiment, the said upper surface is vertical, above
the said footrest.
[0019] In this configuration, the space taken away on the
neighboring module only in the volume above the footrest in bed
position is optimized.
[0020] In particular, the said footrest is formed by a lower
surface of an intermediate space inside the said box structure and
the said fixed shelf is formed from a first portion of the top of
the said box structure.
[0021] By virtue of this configuration, the footrest is in a space
inside the box structure, which reduces the view of the passengers
moving about in the aisles at the feet of a recumbent
passenger.
[0022] It furthermore will be noted that this intermediate space
may be used as stowage space when the module is in seat, and not
bed, position.
[0023] In one embodiment, a second portion of the said top of the
box structure of a module forms a fixed shelf for the passenger in
the corresponding module.
[0024] In this configuration, the upper surface of the box
structure is divided in order to provide a shelf for each of the
two passengers at the same time, each passenger taking the part
that is the most accessible to him.
[0025] In one embodiment, the said top of the box structure has
horizontal dimensions smaller than those of the footrest. The
horizontal dimensions define the horizontal surface of the upper
surface of the box structure. In this configuration, the footrest
surface protrudes from the box structure. This portion that
protrudes thus easily may be used by a second passenger to sit down
facing the passenger in the module, in seated position.
[0026] As a variant, the horizontal dimensions are identical,
making it possible to optimize the available surface on the
box-structure top to form fixed shelves for the various
passengers.
[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, each seat module
comprises a removable shelf arranged to be stored, in stowed
position, in the top of the said intermediate space, added to the
said box-structure top. In particular, the said removable shelf is
arranged to be extracted from its stowed position by translation
toward the passenger seat. In these two configurations, the space
in the box structure for the feet is maximized irrespective of the
use of a removable shelf that is to be stored in this space.
[0028] In one embodiment, the said upper surface arranged as a
fixed shelf for the adjacent passenger comprises a vertical rim
extending at least along the periphery of the fixed shelf facing
the passenger in the corresponding seat module. Such a vertical
rim, more or less high, acts as a separation panel shielding a
passenger's shelf from the eyes of the neighboring passenger.
[0029] According to one characteristic of the invention, the said
box structure forms part of a shell partially surrounding the said
adjacent seat.
[0030] According to a specific embodiment, the said seat system
being integrated into a vehicle, a system in which the said seat
modules are arranged according to an acute angle in relation to the
longitudinal axis of the said vehicle, in particular when the
vehicle is an aircraft. In this configuration, the seat modules of
the same column along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle are
adjacent, or adjoining, for implementation of the invention. In
this way the invention may be applied to all the seat groups of a
vehicle, the central groups as well as the side groups of an
aircraft, for example.
[0031] As a variant, the seat modules are arranged parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In this case, the invention
applies to two adjoining seat columns offset from one another,
longitudinally, by a module half-length, for example. In each
column, the modules may be aligned longitudinally one behind the
other.
[0032] The invention also applies to a seat module and an aircraft
comprising a seat system such as set forth above.
[0033] The aircraft optionally may comprise means relating to the
system characteristics set forth above.
[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention also will
become apparent in the description below, illustrated by the
attached drawings, in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic view from above of a seat module
assembly with which an aircraft is equipped;
[0036] FIG. 2A illustrates a seat module in a view from above in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the seat being in
upright position;
[0037] FIG. 2B is a view similar to FIG. 2A, the seat being in
extended position;
[0038] FIGS. 3A and 3B are elevation views of a column of seat
modules in a layout similar to that of FIGS. 2A and 2B
respectively;
[0039] FIG. 4 shows an assembly making up a seat module of FIG. 3,
integrating a removable shelf;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a view from above of seat modules illustrating the
shelf of FIG. 4 in different positions;
[0041] FIG. 6A is a view from below of the shelf of FIG. 4,
partially showing the movement means for the shelf;
[0042] FIG. 6B illustrates the movement means for the shelf between
different use positions;
[0043] FIG. 6C illustrates means for locking the shelf in
position;
[0044] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary general structure of the shelf
according to the invention;
[0045] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an exemplary extension mechanism
for the removable shelf, in retracted position and in extended
position, respectively;
[0046] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the extension mechanisms of
FIGS. 8 and 9; and
[0047] FIG. 11 shows another exemplary cabin configuration for
implementation of the seat and shelf modules according to the
invention.
[0048] First, an aircraft cabin layout in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention is going to be described with reference
to FIG. 1.
[0049] As partially shown on FIG. 1, an aircraft cabin 1 comprises
a floor 2, side walls, of which only one 3 provided with windows 4
is shown, as well as a ceiling, not shown for reasons of
clarity.
[0050] The cabin comprises several seat modules designated by the
general reference 10 making it possible to create a place for each
passenger of the aircraft.
[0051] Each module 10 comprises a seat 14 and a separation panel 16
defining a personal space 12 for the passenger.
[0052] As clearly illustrated on FIG. 1, various seat modules for a
passenger are installed, namely modules 10 disposed along wall 3 of
the cabin and modules 10 disposed in the central part of the
cabin.
[0053] In this central part, seat modules 10 are, for example,
installed in pairs.
[0054] Between the central part of the cabin and wall 3 of the
cabin, seat modules 10 are placed on both sides of an aisle 5,
provided in the cabin for the movement of passengers and flight
crew.
[0055] Furthermore, as clearly illustrated on FIG. 1, seat modules
10 are arranged staggered, in relation to each other, on both sides
of aisle 5. This layout makes it possible to increase the
concealing effect produced by separation panels 16.
[0056] A seat column along longitudinal axis X of the aircraft is
made up of seat modules 10 arranged side by side in longitudinally
offset relative position (that is to say in relation to their own
longitudinal axis S). Longitudinal axis S of seat modules 10 forms
an acute angle with longitudinal axis X of the aircraft, preferably
an angle ranging between 15.degree. and 45.degree., for example
30.degree., making it possible to increase the number of seat
modules 10 integrated into the same aircraft length.
[0057] For the remainder of the description, the terms "front" and
"rear" will refer to longitudinal axis X to designate in particular
a passenger or a seat module 10 in relation to a neighboring
passenger or seat module 10 along this axis.
[0058] In each seat module 10, seat 14 itself comprises a sitting
surface 13 and a back 15, positioned along axis S, allowing the
passenger to be seated in standard manner in seat 14.
[0059] On FIG. 1, each seat is in an upright position, back 15 of
seat 14 thus extending more or less vertically in relation in
particular to floor 2 of the aircraft.
[0060] Of course, this upright position of seat 14 also includes
the intermediate positions of the seat in which back 15 is slightly
tilted in relation to sitting surface 13, for example by an angle
of 20 to 30.degree. in relation to the vertical.
[0061] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a seat module 10 in greater
detail, each seat 14 being movable between an upright position
(FIG. 2A) and an extended position (FIG. 2B).
[0062] The mechanism allowing seat 14 to change over from the
upright position to the extended position, and vice versa, is not
illustrated on the Figures. This mechanism may be any mechanism,
well known to the individual skilled in the art, making it possible
to change the position of the seat.
[0063] In particular, in the extended position, back 15 of seat 14
extends in a more or less horizontal position, more or less in the
same plane as sitting surface 13 of the seat.
[0064] As clearly illustrated on FIGS. 2A and 2B, back 15
preferably comprises a headrest 15', forming a pillow for the head
of the passenger recumbent on seat 14, when the seat is in extended
position.
[0065] In this way, seat 14 in extended position such as
illustrated on FIG. 2B, forms a bed for the passenger.
[0066] In order to increase the length of this bed, seat 14 may
further comprise a wing 13' in the continuation of sitting surface
13, adapted for moving between a more or less vertically folded
back position when seat 14 is in upright position, and an extended
position, more or less in the same horizontal plane as sitting
surface 13 and back 15 of seat 14 when the latter is in extended
position.
[0067] As illustrated on FIGS. 3A and 3B, in each seat module 10,
separation panel or rigid shell 16 surrounds seat 14 at the sides
and at the rear, and ends, on one of the sides, in the form of a
box structure 18, or vertical unit, topped by a fixed shelf 20
available for the passenger.
[0068] The front part of personal area 12 is defined, facing seat
14 along axis S, by the rear of box structure 18 of the front
module and, on the side opposite rear box structure 18, by shell 16
of module 10 in front. The other side of the front part is left
free so as to provide an access to seat 14 and to personal space
12.
[0069] It will be noted here that, as a result of the relative
offset of seat modules 10 among themselves, fixed shelf 20 is
easily accessible for the front passenger, at sitting surface 13 in
particular, while for the rear passenger, the corresponding box
structure is far away at the feet and therefore not very
convenient.
[0070] As illustrated on FIG. 4, box structure 18 defining the
front part of area 12 comprises a bottom area 22, an intermediate
area 24 and a top area 25.
[0071] Bottom area 22 is hollow, forming a stowage space for the
rear passenger, closed off by a sliding door, possibly comprising a
lock.
[0072] Intermediate area 24, hollow, also forms a stowage space for
the rear passenger when seat 14 is in raised upright position or a
space to accommodate the feet of the rear passenger when seat 14 is
in extended position. Lower surface 23 in this compartment 24 then
forms a footrest surface for the rear passenger.
[0073] In extended position, seat 14 is more or less coplanar with
surface 23, the end of wing 13' coming to bear, for example, on the
edge of surface 23.
[0074] Top 25 of box structure 18 defines, as explained above, a
fixed shelf 20 used by the front passenger. A separation rim 27,
extending vertically over a few centimeters and along the periphery
of shelf 20 facing the rear passenger, makes it possible to conceal
the contents of this fixed shelf 20 from the eyes of the rear
passenger.
[0075] Top 25 of the box structure possibly comprises a fixed shelf
portion 21 for the rear passenger, for example for setting down a
cup or a bottle. In this case, the two fixed shelves 20 and 21 are
separated by vertical separation rim 27.
[0076] On the example of FIG. 4, top 25 of box structure 18 has
dimensions, in the horizontal plane, identical to those of footrest
surface 23. In this way the use of the front part of seat module 10
is optimized, providing the largest possible surface for fixed
shelves 20 and 21.
[0077] As a variant, such as illustrated on FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, top
25 comprises only a fixed shelf 20 for the front passenger and has
horizontal dimensions smaller than those of surface 23. In
particular, the depth of top 25 parallel to axis S is smaller in
comparison with the corresponding depth of surface 23.
[0078] In this way, the latter 23 partially protrudes from
box-structure unit 18. This surface part 23 that protrudes may be
used, when seat 14 is in upright position, as an additional sitting
surface for another passenger facing seat 14 in module 10; the rim
of top 25 facing seat 14 then being able to serve as a backing for
the other passenger sitting on additional seat 23 formed in this
way.
[0079] In bed configuration, this surface part 23 that protrudes
supportively accommodates wing 13' to form a bed (see FIG. 2B).
[0080] For the sake of clarity of these Figures, the references are
cited for only a limited number of modules (10) shown, even though
all the modules in the cabin are equipped with the corresponding
elements.
[0081] The explanations that follow concerning the retractable
shelf may be applied equally well to one or the other of these two
variants.
[0082] There has been shown on FIG. 3A a retractable shelf 26 (not
shown on FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, but provided in these configurations)
in opened-out position, that is to say overhanging at least a part
of sitting surface 13 of seat 14 for an optimum use by the
corresponding passenger. On FIG. 3B retractable shelf 26 is in its
stowed position (not visible).
[0083] On FIG. 4, shelf 26 has been shown in its two extreme
positions, namely the fully opened-out position P1 for an optimal
use by the seated passenger (idem FIG. 3A) and the fully stowed
position P2 where shelf 26 is accommodated in the top of
compartment 24, and added underneath fixed shelf 20 (and possibly
fixed shelf 21 when it is provided).
[0084] Shelf 26 in position P2 and fixed shelf 20 (or top 25) have
similar horizontal dimensions, so that removable shelf 26
disappears completely into box structure 18 in stowed position.
[0085] In these two positions P1 and P2, retractable shelf 26 has a
horizontal upper surface 28. In position P1, this upper surface 28
forms the table ordinarily used by a passenger.
[0086] The movement mechanism for shelf 26, here shown by a rail 30
borne by "front" shell 16 more or less in longitudinal direction S,
makes it possible to change over from one to the other of the
positions, or even to take on an intermediate position, through a
translation of shelf 26 along the rail. Upper surface 28 then is
kept horizontal throughout the movement. In this way, the passenger
may get out of his seat by simply pushing retractable shelf 26 into
an intermediate position toward box structure 18, without having to
remove his belongings from shelf 26.
[0087] Retractable shelf 26 is exceptional in that it has, in
position P2, an upper surface 28 with smaller dimensions in
comparison with position P1. Shelf 26 thus occupies less space in
stowage, and provides a larger "useful" use surface for the
passenger.
[0088] In this way, modules 10 are less wide in the direction
perpendicular to X and aisles 5 of the aircraft therefore are more
spacious. It is noted here that since box structure 18 thus is not
as wide as sitting surface 13 of seat 14, wing 13', once opened out
to form a bed, may protrude from the box structure as becomes
apparent from FIG. 2B, without its creating a nuisance in the
aisles 5.
[0089] With reference to FIG. 5, retractable shelf 26 has a width L
in position P1 (horizontal dimension perpendicular to direction S,
that is to say the width seen by the passenger) more or less equal
to that of seat 14 (and of sitting surface 13).
[0090] Box structure 18 and retractable shelf 26 in position P2
have a width L smaller than L, for example three to ten centimeters
less, especially five.
[0091] There also has been shown a retractable shelf 26 in
intermediate position Pi, in which upper surface 28 is partially
extracted from compartment 24 provided for storage thereof. Shelf
26 already may be used in this position Pi, for example as a
cocktail shelf for storing glasses.
[0092] Other intermediate positions Pi may be provided along the
way between P1 and P2, for example an intermediate position
allowing the passenger to get out of his seat as indicated above
and in which upper surface 28 is completely outside compartment
24.
[0093] In position Pi shown, width L'' of retractable shelf 26
ranges between L' and L. As will be seen subsequently, different
contours governing the width of shelf 26 may be contemplated
according to the degree of extraction of shelf 26 from its
compartment 24.
[0094] In order to optimize the usable surface of shelf 26, there
preferably is chosen a contour which ensures that the width of
shelf 26 takes on maximal value L as soon as entire upper surface
28 is extracted from compartment 24.
[0095] The movement of shelf 26 between positions P2 and P1 now is
illustrated with the aid of FIGS. 6A to 6C.
[0096] With reference to FIG. 6A, retractable shelf 26 comprises a
main tray 32 with small thickness, for example less than two
centimeters, which has a straight edge 34 extending over a large
portion of the width of the shelf on the passenger side. From the
side of this straight edge 34, the rear part of main tray 32
extends along a curve toward outer shell 16 which comes to support
shelf 26 and its movement mechanism.
[0097] Box structure 18 has a shape more or less similar to that of
main tray 32, so that in stowed position P2, shelf 26 follows the
interior shape of box structure 18.
[0098] Main tray 32 has, in its lower face, an oblong-shape blind
hole 36 extending parallel to edge 34 and serving as a handle for
the passenger wishing to pull or push shelf 26. The positioning of
shelf 26 stored in the upper part of compartment 24 ensures an easy
access to handle 36 for the passenger.
[0099] Any other grasping means allowing the passenger to move
shelf 26 may be contemplated.
[0100] Now with reference to FIG. 6B, tray 32 is fastened to means
for movement by translation along one or more rails 30, here to a
rigid cassette 38 parallel to the plane of tray 32, itself
laterally fastened to a movable element 40 on rail 30, here a kind
of slide, sliding or rolling on two rails. The movement travel of
the shelf between P1 and P2 is a few tens of centimeters, generally
between fifty centimeters and one meter, especially between 75 and
80 cm in order to provide the passenger with a comfortable personal
space 12.
[0101] The fastening of shelf 26 through cassette 38 makes it
possible to minimize the space occupied underneath the shelf by the
movement mechanisms, and thus to enhance the comfort of the
passenger in space 24.
[0102] Under the traction or pushing exerted by the passenger on
handle 36 along axis S, movable element 40 slides on rails 30
making it possible to move shelf 26 which is integral therewith
between the various positions P1, P2 and Pi.
[0103] Rails 30 and movable element 40 are accommodated in the
thickness of shell 16, here made up of a double wall for example. A
straight slot 42 thus is provided for the passage of cassette 38
along the movement between P1 and P2.
[0104] Any means for holding movable element 40 in one of positions
Pi may be provided. For example, on FIG. 6C, slight grooves 42 are
made in rails 30 at appropriate places. Wheels provided on movable
element 40 then come to engage into these grooves 42, locking shelf
26 into said positions Pi.
[0105] The force exerted by the passenger on handle 36 makes it
possible, if need be, to disengage the movable element from these
grooves in order to move shelf 26 to another position.
[0106] Grooves thus are provided at positions P1 and P2, as well as
at a cocktail position P3 in which shelf 26 is partially (about
half) extracted from compartment 24 and at a position P4 midway
between P1 and P2 in which the passenger may easily get out of his
seat.
[0107] As a variant, the holding means may be of friction type
provided on the bearings of movable element 40 so that shelf 26 may
take on any position along rails 30, and no longer only those
created by grooves 42. The friction means ensure the locking of
shelf 26 in position until a force exceeding a resistance threshold
is applied to the shelf.
[0108] Appropriate means for locking shelf 26 in these various
positions also may be provided, in particular a manual lock locking
retractable shelf 26 in position P2 (to prevent an untimely
extraction during take-off of the aircraft, for example).
[0109] As illustrated on FIG. 6B, rails 30 and slot 42 slope
slightly downward from stowed position P2 to optimal use position
P1. The difference in height between P2 and P1 is a few
centimeters, especially three or four centimeters.
[0110] This difference in height makes it possible to combine both
a low height P1 optimal for a seated passenger and high height P2
in which retractable shelf 26 "presses" as close as possible to
fixed shelf 20 so as to maximize the space of volume 24 for
accommodating the feet of the passenger in lying-down position or
to have a larger storage space.
[0111] Cassette 38 thus is fastened to movable element 40 which
supports it, with an angle similar to that of inclination of rails
30 in relation to the floor (defining the horizontal), so that
shelf 26 remains horizontal in its entire movement. In this way,
shelf 26 according to the invention may be used when it is hardly
(partially) extracted from compartment 24.
[0112] With reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, the extension mechanism for
retractable shelf 26 when the latter is pulled out of compartment
24 now is described.
[0113] Retractable shelf 26 consists of main tray 32 such as set
forth above, and a cover 44 extending over the part of shelf 26
adjacent to shell 16 along which it moves.
[0114] Cover 44 consists of a tape that is not very thick, made of
rigid plastic surrounding the edge of main tray 32 and cassette 38
added and partially fastened (as will be seen subsequently)
underneath main tray 32 (see also FIG. 6A). Tape 44 is fastened, by
riveting for example, to a lower casing of cassette 38.
[0115] Cover 44 is not fastened to tray 32 so that the latter is
free to slide inside, in particular between a retracted position
(as illustrated on FIGS. 6A and 8--edge of tray 32 in dotted lines)
generally corresponding to position P2, and an extended position
(illustrated on FIG. 9-edge of tray 32 in dotted lines)
corresponding to the shelf in position P1.
[0116] It is this translation of tray 32 by sliding in cover 44
that allows shelf 26 to have a useful upper surface 28 (comprising
the upper surface of tape 44 and the upper surface of tray 32) of
variable size.
[0117] In order to ensure an unbroken upper surface 28 between tape
44 and tray 32, a tape 44 with width at least equal to the
contemplated lateral travel of tray 32 is chosen. This travel
corresponds in particular to the difference L-L, that is for
example five centimeters. In particular a tape width equal to this
travel is chosen so that in extended position, the left side edge
(on the Figure) of tray 32 is directly in line with the right edge
of tape 44. In this way the usable surface of tray 32 in fully
opened-out position P1 is maximized.
[0118] In order to improve the flatness of upper surface 28,
elastic means then may be provided, for example springs provided
between cassette 38 and tray 32 to raise the latter from the
thickness of tape 44 when the shelf is extended. In this way the
upper surfaces of tray 32 and of cover 44 are at the same level. It
is noted here that the rounded side edges for tray 32 and cover 44
make it possible, under a return force exerted via the translation
means such as set forth below, to bring tray 32 back down into
cover 44 when shelf 26 is stowed and tray 32 is returned into the
cover.
[0119] FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate more precisely means 46 controlling
the translation of tray 32 by sliding in cover 44.
[0120] These means 46 here are incorporated into cassette 38, of
rigid PVC type.
[0121] Cassette 38 comprises a lower half-casing 50 and an upper
half-casing 60 as shown in an exploded view on FIG. 10.
[0122] Lower half-casing 50 is fastened, by screwing at one end, to
movable element 40 from which it extends perpendicular to axis S.
It also is fastened to cover 44 by riveting so as to drive same
during the movement of shelf 26 via movable element 40.
[0123] Lower half-casing 50 further comprises a groove 52 extending
from its end fastened to movable element 40 in the longitudinal
axis of cassette 38 (horizontal axis perpendicular to S), and two
guides 54 parallel to groove 52 over a considerable length of the
cassette.
[0124] Groove 52 is provided for accommodating the rack mechanisms
introduced below and for this purpose has a variable width: wide on
the movable element 40 side to accommodate two racks and narrower
toward the opposite end to accommodate a single rack.
[0125] Upper half-casing 60 is fastened underneath main tray 32 of
shelf 26, for example by screwing (via a plate 61).
[0126] As for upper half-casing 60, it comprises two grooves 62
more or less facing the two guides 54. On closing the two
half-casings 50 and 60 on top of one another, guides 54 engage into
corresponding grooves 62. In this way, upper half-casing 60 and
tray 32 which is integral therewith are able to slide laterally
(perpendicular to axis S) in relation to lower half-casing 50 and
movable element 40.
[0127] A rack 56 is engaged into groove 52 of lower half-casing 50
and is able to slide in the longitudinal direction inside cassette
38 (perpendicular to S). A vertical finger 58 is fastened
integrally to the end of rack 56 on the movable element 40
side.
[0128] A corresponding rack 64 is fastened in upper half-casing 60
and comes into groove 52 when cassette 38 is closed.
[0129] The two racks are interfaced by rack wheel 66. In this way,
when rack 56 slides in corresponding groove 52, it drives rack
wheel 66 in rotation, which itself drives second rack 64 in
translation in the opposite direction (with the entire upper
half-casing 60 and main tray 32). The arrows shown on FIG. 10
illustrate the movement of the various parts during extension of
shelf 26 (changeover from P2 to P1).
[0130] In particular, rack wheel 66 has two stages, one engaging
into first rack 56 and the other into second rack 64 (groove 52
being sufficiently deep to accommodate two racks 56, 64 each at the
respective stage of rack wheel 66). In this way, the travel of the
second rack may be easily reduced or geared-down according to that
of the first rack. In particular, a rack wheel providing a ratio
equal to 2 is chosen: the travel of rack 56 brings about a dual
travel of rack 64.
[0131] Returning to FIG. 8, outer shell 16 comprises a vertical
double wall defining an inner space where the movement mechanism
made up of movable element 40 and rails 30 is accommodated. A
perpendicular wall 70 comes to close off the double wall at the
top. This wall 70 in particular is parallel to rails 30, that is to
say, slightly sloping downward in the direction of seat 14. Slot 42
provided for the movement of cassette 38 is implemented in the
outer wall of shell 16.
[0132] A non-traversing groove 72 is implemented in the lower
surface of wall 70, in which finger 58 of cassette 38 comes to
engage when shelf 26 is installed on module 10.
[0133] Groove 72 extends more or less over the same length as
movement groove 42, and gradually moves away from the outer wall
where groove 42 is implemented in the direction of seat 14. In
particular, a lateral offset of 25 mm is provided between the two
extreme positions.
[0134] Thus, on pulling shelf 26 toward seat 14, the shelf and
movable element 40 slide on rails 30 toward the seat. At the same
time, finger 58 is gradually moved way, over 25 mm, from shelf 26
via groove 72, which drives rack 56 in a similar translation in
relation to lower half-casing 50 (and groove 52)) and drives rack
wheel 66 in rotation.
[0135] With the ratio of 2 of wheel 66, rack 64 then moves in
translation over a double distance, or 50 mm, in the opposite
direction, causing tray 32 to slide out of cover 44, via the
translation of upper half-casing 60 integral with tray 32 in
relation to lower half-casing 50 integral with cover 44.
[0136] Correlatively, when shelf 26 is pushed toward stowage
compartment 24, finger 58 and rack 56 gradually move in translation
toward shelf 26. Rack 64 and tray 32 then move in translation in
the other direction, ensuring the return of same inside cover
44.
[0137] As a variant of groove 72, guide ramps provided on the lower
face of wall 70 may be used.
[0138] The contour of groove 72 is chosen in particular to achieve
maximum lateral offset (25 mm in the above example), for a movement
of shelf 26 over a distance equal to the depth of box structure 18
along axis S. In that way, shelf 26 has a maximum useful surface
starting from its extraction from compartment 24.
[0139] The second part of the contour of groove 72 then is
straight, parallel to the movement of shelf 26.
[0140] Seat modules 10 such as described above also may be
integrated into a cabin configuration such as shown on FIG. 11,
showing only a central group of modules 10 in the aircraft
cabin.
[0141] In this configuration, seat modules 10 are aligned one
behind the other, along longitudinal axis X of the aircraft. The
central group is made up of two columns of modules 10 offset
longitudinally by a half-length of module 10. In this way box
structure 18 of a module 10 provides the neighboring passenger with
a fixed shelf 20, at the height of his sitting surface 13. It is
seen here that it is not the front passenger (in the column) who
gains fixed shelf 20, but the passenger directly in front in the
neighboring column.
[0142] The different types of box structure 18 indicated above
(with or without fixed shelf 21), with footrest part 23 protruding
or otherwise from box structure 18), may be provided in this
configuration, as well as removable shelves 26 such as described
above.
[0143] In this cabin configuration, only modules 10 of the central
cabin group thus gain an additional shelf 20 on the neighboring
module. In fact, the side groups against the fuselage generally are
made up of a single module in width, which does not make it
possible to gain a shelf on a neighboring module.
[0144] It thus is noted that the cabin configuration shown in
particular in FIG. 1, where the modules form an angle with
longitudinal axis X of the aircraft, makes it possible to provide
this additional shelf to all the seat modules, in the central
groups as well as the side groups.
[0145] The above examples are merely embodiments of the invention
which is not limited thereto.
[0146] In particular, the translation mechanism for tray 32 may be
simplified by the use of a single rack integral with upper part 60
of cassette 38. The contour of groove 72 then is reversed: it
gradually approaches the outer wall during movement toward the
seat. In this way, the finger on the sole rack, the rack and tray
32 are driven integrally to cause the latter to slide in cover
44.
[0147] Furthermore, the invention, although described above in an
aeronautical application, may be applied to any type of vehicle
equipped with a seat, for example a train, but also to seat modules
disposed in buildings, for example in a waiting room or a
lounge.
* * * * *